FILE:  IFBGA

Cf:  EFA

COMPUTER ACCESS AND USE

INTERNET SAFETY

The Internet is a vast, global computer network that provides access to major universities, governmental agencies, other school systems, and commercial providers of data banks.  The Caddo Parish School Board shall establish appropriate guidelines for exploring and using Internet resources within the school district to enhance learning and teaching activities.  Acceptable use of these resources shall be consistent with the philosophy, goals and objectives of the Caddo Parish School Board.  In addition, age and grade appropriate classroom instruction shall be provided regarding Internet and cell phone safety.  Such instruction shall include appropriate online behavior, interacting with other individuals on social networking websites and in chat rooms, and cyberbullying awareness and response, as well as areas of concern as authorized in state and federal law.

In its continued efforts to comply with the Children's Internet Protection Act, the School District shall adopt and enforce a policy of Internet safety that incorporates the use of computer-related technology or the use of Internet service provider technology designed to block or filter Internet access for minors and adults to certain visual depictions, including without limitation those that are obscene, child pornographic, or harmful to minors, including without limitation sites that are excessively, violent, pervasively vulgar, or sexually harassing.  Sites which contain information on the manufacturing of bombs or other incendiary devices shall also be prohibited.  Only authorized persons may disable for an adult user the blocking or filtering mechanism in order to enable Internet access for bona fide research or other lawful purposes, which shall include online services for legitimate scientific or educational purposes approved by the School Board, or access to online services of a newspaper with a daily circulation of at least 1,000.

In addition to filtering requirements, the School Board shall maintain regulations which:

• Prohibit access by minors to inappropriate matter on the Internet and World Wide Web;
  
  

• Address the safety and security of minors when using electronic mail, chat rooms, and other forms of direct electronic communications, such as "Instant Messaging;"
  
  

• Prohibit unauthorized access, including what is now known as "hacking" and other unlawful on-line activities by minors online;
  
  

• Prohibit unauthorized disclosure, use, and dissemination of personal information regarding minors; and
  
  

• Institutes measures designed to restrict minors' access to materials harmful to minors.

Guidelines are provided so that Internet users are aware of the responsibilities they are about to assume.  Responsibilities include efficient, ethical, and legal utilization of network resources.  All users, including students, employees, or any other users of School Board computers, hardware, and School Board network shall abide by all policies of the School Board and any applicable administrative regulations and procedures.

The student and parent or guardians shall sign an Acceptable Use of Computers and Internet Agreement, which shall be required before any student will be allowed to use school system computers.  The student and parent/guardians signatures shall be legally binding on all parties and shall indicate they have read the terms and conditions carefully and understand their significance.

COMPUTER AND INTERNET USE TERMS AND CONDITIONS

1. Acceptable Use - The purpose of the Internet is to support research and education in and among academic institutions in the United States by providing access to unique resources and opportunities for collaborative work.  Transmission of any material in violation of any U.S., state, local or School District regulations shall be prohibited.  This includes, but is not limited to, copyrighted material, threatening or obscene material, or material protected by trade institutions.  Use for product advertisement, political lobbying, or illegal activities shall be strictly prohibited.  Subscriptions to listservers, bulletin boards, and on-line services must be pre­-approved by the Superintendent or his/her designee.
   
   

2. Privileges - The use of the Internet is a privilege, not a right, and inappropriate use shall result in a cancellation of those privileges and may result in disciplinary or legal action by the administration, faculty, staff, or District Technology Committee.
   
   

3. Netiquette - Users shall be expected to abide by the generally accepted rules of network etiquette.  These include, but are not limited to, the following:

4. Security - Security on any computer system is a high priority, especially when the system involves many users.  Any suspected security problem on the Internet shall be reported to the building technology coordinator or the principal.  The problem shall not be demonstrated to other users.  Any user identified as a security risk or having a history of problems with other computer systems shall be denied access to the Internet.
   
   

5. Vandalism - Vandalism shall result in cancellation of privileges and or other disciplinary actions.  Vandalism is defined as any malicious attempt to harm or destroy hardware or software data of the school system, another user, the Internet Service Provider, or other networks that are connected to Internet.  This includes, but is not limited to, the uploading or creation of computer viruses.  No software, programs, or files may be installed or downloaded by any user without the prior permission of the building technology coordinator, who must scan for appropriateness and viruses.
   
   

6. Consequences of Misuse - School principals may suspend from school any student who accesses, sends, receives, or configures electronically any profane or language or pictures or violates the Code of Conduct for computer use, or any rules contained in the Acceptable Use Agreement.

ACCEPTABLE USE

The Caddo Parish School Board acceptable use provisions apply to all users of the Internet.  Honesty, integrity, and respect for the rights of others should be evident at all times. E-mail shall be limited to teachers and whole classes.  Individuals shall not have accounts unless specifically authorized by the parent.  In no case shall photographs be permitted. Students shall only be identified by first names.

The use of the Internet, including the World Wide Web, in any school must be in support of education and academic research and consistent with the educational objectives of the School Board.  Neither the School Board nor any of the schools shall be responsible for any financial obligations incurred by users of the Internet.

Internet activities that are permitted and encouraged:

• Investigation of topics being studied in school;
  
  

• Investigation of opportunities outside of school related to community service, employment or further education.

The Internet user shall be held responsible for his/her actions and activities.  Unacceptable uses of the network shall result in appropriate disciplinary action, including school suspension or revoking of these privileges.

Terms and Conditions of Use

Regulations for participation by anyone on the Internet shall include but not be not be limited to the following:

1. Personal Privacy and Safety

2. Illegal Activities

3. Security

4. Network Resources

5. Software
   
   

   1. Users shall not download, store, or install any unapproved or unlicensed software on school system computers.
      
      

   2. Users shall not install any unauthorized or unlicensed school system software on their personal/home computers.

6. Content Filtering

7. Consequences of Inappropriate Use

Ref:    20 USC 7131 (Internet Safety)

47 USC 254 (Children's Internet Protection Act (CIPA))

47 CFR 54.520 (Children's Internet Protection Act Certifications for Schools and Libraries)

La. Rev. Stat. Ann. §§17:81, 17:100.7, 17:280

Caddo Parish School Board